University Advancement

The UNC Charlotte student chapter of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics is flying high in more ways than one, competing in and raising money for the Design-Build-Fly competition, sponsored by the AIAA, Raytheon Technologies and Cessna, in May 2024, located in Kansas. They will compete against hundreds of teams across the globe. 

UNC Charlotte’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the premier international English honors society, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The honor society recognizes student achievement in academics and literary outreach through educational, social and community events.

An events coordinator for the University Events Office, Christina Al-Khateeb plans and supports chancellor events and assists with the implementation for fall and spring Commencement ceremonies. She has been a Niner for almost seven and a half years and started out in the Office of Housing and Residence Life. She was gracious to answer our questions, but she has one for you too: Would like to volunteer for Commencement? Sign up here!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

UNC Charlotte is supporting the Jamil Niner Student Pantry to ensure that 49er students and employees have access to nutritious foods.

Niles Sorensen is the 2022 Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award recipient as presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Charlotte Chapter at its National Philanthropy Day luncheon held at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown.

Adam Wassell, director of development for the College of Health and Human Services, has been named the interim executive director of alumni engagement. Prior to joining UNC Charlotte last year, Wassell served as senior development officer for the PIKE Foundation; he has more than a decade of experience in alumni affairs, fundraising and management experience. 

He succeeds Sallie Sistare, who recently left the University. 

A national search for a permanent executive director will begin immediately.

“Thanks are due to the entire campus for the incredible work supporting the updated branding this past academic year. From students to the broader community, we’ve received positive feedback and our logo is increasingly prominent and visible. As we continue to strengthen the University’s profile, having this strong and cohesive identity will help further build brand equity,” said Beth Crigler, interim vice chancellor for the Division of University Advancement. 

Several related updates are planned for the 2022-23 academic year:

Penny Hawkins has been named interim associate vice chancellor for development at UNC Charlotte. In this role, she will provide strategic vision to oversee the University’s fundraising function. Hawkins began her duties July 15, succeeding Beth Crigler, who was appointed interim vice chancellor for university advancement.

Beth Derrick Crigler has been appointed interim vice chancellor for university advancement at UNC Charlotte. In this role, she will be responsible for leading development, alumni engagement, advancement operations, constituent relations, university events and university communications.

Bank of America is strengthening its long-standing partnership with UNC Charlotte to support student success and upward mobility for the Charlotte region.